Effective March 17, 2025, all livestock markets in Kazo District have been cleared to resume normal operations after a comprehensive review by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF). This announcement follows the successful suspension of a total ban on the movement of cattle, goats, sheep, and their products, which had been in place since January 2024 due to an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

The lifting of quarantine restrictions was confirmed by Kazo's Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Garshomu Mushabe, during a meeting held at the district headquarters. The meeting saw the participation of various stakeholders, including parish chiefs, Sub-County chiefs, animal transporters, LC3 chairpersons, GISOs, journalists among others.

Mushabe noted that while the movement of livestock within Kazo District is now permitted, restrictions remain in place prohibiting the entry of animals from neighbouring districts. This precaution aims to prevent any potential resurgence of FMD, which significantly impacted the area's livestock population.

Kazo District Production Officer, Zephline Tumwesigye, emphasized the importance of adhering to strict health protocols by urging all sub-counties to implement fencing around animal markets and to enhance animal checkpoints. These measures are designed to maintain biosecurity and safeguard the local livestock industry from future outbreaks.

The LC5 Chairman Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda echoed these sentiments, calling on the residents of Kazo District to cooperate fully with health regulations to avert a recurrence of FMD.

In a message shared via his X account, area Member of Parliament Hon. Dan Kimosho expressed his gratitude to the community for their resilience during the quarantine period. He congratulated the people on the reopening of the livestock markets and urged vigilance at district entry points. "We express our heartfelt gratitude to God and our esteemed community for your steadfast patience throughout the quarantine period as we battled foot and mouth disease. We are thrilled to announce the reopening of our livestock markets," he stated. He further stressed the importance of monitoring entry points closely to ensure that no diseased animals gain access to the district, reinforcing a collective commitment to community health and welfare.

https://x.com/DanKimosho/status/1901662357350232163/photo/1

As Kazo District embarks on this new chapter following the successful vaccination campaign that achieved over 95.9% coverage alongside essential health measures, leaders and residents alike are reminded that continued cooperation is vital to safeguard their agricultural future.

Tinyefuza Naboth : Kazo District Communications Officer